Magic of the Sea

From an inspired moment at Muckross head when Moira Doherty asked her husband James if the dulse seaweed they were collecting could be used in to flavour gin, An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin was born.

After much experimentation back in Hong Kong where they lived at the time, the couple finalised a recipe of six botanicals to create a robust base for five seaweeds, native to the Donegal coast. In the years to follow, they moved their family back to James’ ancestral home in Donegal, founded Sliabh Liag Distillers and in 2017, released their love letter to the Donegal coast – An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin.

Each London-dry single-shot distillation from their 500litre copper pot still (lovingly named Méabh) yields just over 600 bottles of An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin, which are hand-filled and wax sealed on site at 43.2% ABV.

The Donegal coast is home to countless shipwrecks, many of them from the ill-fated Spanish Armada of the 16th century. An Dúlamán Santa Ana Armada Strength Gin is inspired by one of these ships - La Duquesa Santa Ana, an Andalusian hulk which ran aground off Loughros Mór near Ardara. All 900 sailors, soldiers and crew making a 35km journey on foot to reach the port of Killybegs where some returned to Spain and others decided to remain on the Sliabh Liag Peninsula.

To create Ireland’s first navy strength gin, Sliabh Liag Distillers take An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin age it in Rioja barrels and bottle it at the Armada Strength of 57%. The gin has taken on a beautiful rose gold hue and the Rioja barrels have added a floral spice and an orange-madeira sweetness to An Dúlamán’s soft juniper and salty sea notes.

Though strong in alcohol, Santa Ana is remarkably soft, while the savoury brine notes take on sweet blackberry, liquorice, candied peel and a rich comforting orange finish.

An Dúlamán Memories of Asia is the latest addition to the An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin collection from Sliabh Liag Distillers. Unlike the editions that have come before it, which are love letters from the Donegal Coast, this expression is inspired by travels to the other side of the globe. Created and distilled in Donegal, this distinctive and innovative expression was inspired by Gin Distiller, and Founder, Moira Doherty’s time spent in Asia.

For this edition, three seaweeds have been replaced with seven exciting new ingredients; Oolong Tea, Ginger, Sesame Seeds, Hibiscus Flowers, Sakura (Japanese Cherry Blossom preserved in salt), Star Anise and Kaffir Lime Leaves. These ingredients come together beautifully and capture the flavours and aromas synonymous with Hong Kong life.

ABV: 41%